The Reign of Kindo
This Is What Happens


4.0
excellent

Review

by Xenophanes EMERITUS
November 18th, 2010 | 30 replies


Release Date: 2010 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An impressive sophomore release from a band well worth looking into.

In looking at images of The Reign of Kindo, one is able to fully understand the full nature of the band. Pictures depict a bunch of scruffy young men holed up in a cramped room, armed solely with their instruments. This displays a very organic and natural atmosphere, as opposed to seeing them contained within a cold an impersonal recording studio. And that is the idea of what The Reign of Kindo is, as they let their creativity and ingenuity flow, rather than calculate it into a structured formula. This really goes a long way into making This Is What Happens an immensely solid affair, and one of 2010’s more impressive indie-pop records.

The one thing to remember about This Is What Happens is that it doesn’t really pave any new ground, but rather, it proves itself as an incredibly solid piece of work with its glossy indie/ jazz-rock finish. And while it may lack true originality, it makes up for it with purely satisfying songs, and a wonderful sound and production. You can’t criticize these guys for lack of heart, because the album is full of a sense of passion and care for their craft, which is felt through the music itself.

Overall, This Is What Happens feels like your standard indie-rock affair with some jazziness thrown in. Whilst jazz is kind of the go-to addition for many many other musical genres, The Reign of Kindo present it very well, allowing it to meld with each tune, rather than be a tacked on gimmick. The smooth jazz and dash of blues add a lot to the flavor of what makes the album so enjoyable. Added to that, the musicians are absolutely fantastic with literally every member wowing at one moment or another. Instrumentally, This Is What Happens relies heavily on instruments other than a guitar. The guitar takes a backseat to the percussion, piano, and even the electronics and strings. That isn’t to say the album is void of the instrument, but everything else is brought to the forefront, making the band equal parts piano and guitar rock. It’s a refreshing sound to say the least, with the beautiful melodies of the keyboard really stealing the show in many parts.

And while the piano is rather fantastic, even it loses the spotlight to the album’s most impressive contributions; the vocals and percussion. The drum work here is very impressive, as Michael Caroll isn’t content on merely using a set. Caroll is also accredited as the band’s rhythm guitarist, as well as manager of the percussive elements. Yet his expertise truly lies in his works with drums and the like as he plays the set with extreme competence and skill, and makes everything much more upbeat and enjoyable. However, even more impressive than Caroll is the vocalist Joseph Secchiarroli, who is downright incredible on This Is What Happens. His cool Dustin Kensrue-esque croon, and self-assured vocals are very much the highlight of the album, and his passion and strength demand to be heard. His versatility is great, with each song featuring something different in respect to his delivery. He, along with Caroll, really add an indelible amount of skill and character to the album.

Yet the album’s biggest failing comes from its song selection. To put it rather bluntly, there are just too many damn songs. With thirteen average length tracks, the album doesn’t seem particularly demanding, but at an hour in length, This Is What Happens wears out its welcome. Perhaps it is because of the lack of variety in the song structure, as many of the tracks feel very similar to one another, making some tracks feel unnecessary. While there aren’t any expressly terrible selections, a few lack the intrigue and poise found on the rest of the album. “Blistered Hands” is a good example of a very unnecessary track, because although it’s a very chilled song, tunes like “Nightingale” and “Flowers By The Moon” accomplish the same sound, and do a much better at it. Yet excellent songs such as “Psalm” and “Symptom of a Stumbling” fill the rest of the album, making the duds appear incredibly infrequently.

Aside from a few minor gripes, This Is What Happens manages to be an incredibly impressive offering, featuring a bevy of alluring sounds and moods. While the jazz infused indie-rock is nothing new, The Reign of Kindo add enough personality and flair to warrant a listen. The band sounds great because they clearly love what they are doing, and the album begs for the listener to love this as well.



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user ratings (290)
4
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
DoubtGin
November 18th 2010


6879 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

you accidently did the review for the wrong album (your other review)



I somehow cannot seem to like them

Inveigh
November 18th 2010


26899 Comments


I've been meaning to listen to this for awhile now

nice review Xeno

Phideaux
November 18th 2010


1664 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I just heard about these guys a couple weeks ago. From what I've heard I think I'd really dig this. Good review and all that.

pizzamachine
November 18th 2010


27670 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Good review X-man.

Phideaux
November 18th 2010


1664 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Thanks man. Loving that album. Is this better than their debut? Haven't heard much of either one. Just trying to find a starting place.

TojesDolan
November 18th 2010


271 Comments


The 8-bit remixes are pretty clever. Enjoyable band.

Jethro42
November 19th 2010


18281 Comments


Good review Xeno. Looks like something I might enjoy.

Irving
Emeritus
November 19th 2010


7496 Comments


Great review Xeno (damn I almost typed Xowing, haha). Always great to read stuff from you. If nothing else, we can all agree that you're damn bloody consistent in terms of quality, which is fantastic - pos.

AlexTM510
November 19th 2010


1473 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nightingale is such a heartbreaking awesome song it's nearly painful to listen to. I can't listen to it without get swept up in the emotions of it.



Great review man, this band is criminally underrated

cfbassist
November 19th 2010


381 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

not to be a jerk, but caroll does not play drums. guitar and percussion/shakes



steve plays the drums





other then that, good review





this album is pretty damn solid IMHO...i love that one effected vocal line in nightingale so much



"and i was struck in the side of the car"

Aids
November 19th 2010


24542 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I'm glad there's finally a review for this. I keep seeing it on the charts but never know whether it's worth getting.

xNintendoCorex
December 11th 2010


1269 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

love this band so much.

playswithpassion
January 6th 2011


292 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Honestly, I love all of their albums...they have yet to disappoint me.

Waior
September 15th 2011


11778 Comments


oh holy SHIT

this music

Waior
September 19th 2011


11778 Comments


honestly, why don't more people care about this?



bloc
November 17th 2011


70683 Comments


Tame compared to the first album

AtomicWaste
Moderator
May 30th 2012


2888 Comments


I disagree. While I think Rhythm, Chord, and Melody probably had more standouts ("Nice to Meet You," "The Mystery of Our Day"), This is What Happens is more consistent and has a little less downtime (which happens more than a few times on R,C,&M).

Oceanus
August 30th 2012


881 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Just heard their Final Fantasy covers. Going to check out this CD immediately.

BurnedBlack606
December 29th 2012


513 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Loving Nightingale and Flowers By the Moon

IMZA1793
January 10th 2013


843 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Great album. Needs more attention.



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